Post Incarceration Reentry Resources

Gather important documents such as a birth certificate, a social security card, and a California state identification or driver's license. If you were born outside of Sonoma County, click here to find out how to obtain a birth certificate.

Obtaining or replacing some of these documents do have associated fees, but waivers are available.

Housing

Find safe and stable housing. Will you be staying with friends or family? Will you need information on halfway homes, sober living environments, or emergency shelters?

Click on a category below for resources:

Alcohol and Drug Free Housing

Emergency Shelters for Homeless Individuals and Families

Transitional Housing (Temporary Housing)

Homeless Drop In Centers

---

Food

Find a stable source of food.

If you need food, go to a food pantry or hot meal program.

The CalFresh program may also help you pay for food by giving you an Electronic Benefit (EBT) Card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. You may be eligible for Emergency CalFresh benefits, which has a three-day application process. This is also called Expedited CalFresh.

Individuals with prior felony drug convictions that are in compliance with the terms of their parole or probation, or have completed probation or parole, may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits. 

Click on a category below for resources:

Cal-Fresh (Food Stamps)

Groceries

Hot Meal Programs

 

---

Transportation

Learn about transportation options.

Don't forget to ask your Probation Officer for assistance with bus tokens, they may be able to help.

Click on a category below for resources:

Be sure to take care of any immediate medical needs such as prescription refills, physical exams, dental care, vision care, and HIV, STD, and/or Hepatitis testing and treatment.

Click on a category below for resources:

Medi-Cal

Health Insurance Information & Enrollment Assistance

Medicare

Medical Clinics

Medical Information Lines

Tuberculosis Screening

Tattoo Removal

Find a stable source of income.

Seek employment opportunities. Go to a job assistance center or employment program for help writing your resume, interview preparation, and job resources. There are many companies and temp agencies who are willing to hire formerly incarcerated individuals.

It is illegal for most public or private employers to ask about an applicant's conviction history until the employer makes a conditional offer of employment. (A conditional offer of employment is a formal job offer that is dependent on the applicant passing certain tests or conditions.)

After the employer makes a conditional offer of employment, the employer can complete a background check on the applicant. If the employer sees a conviction during the background check, they must consider the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and how the offense relates to the job. The employer cannot consider sealed or dismissed arrests and convictions when performing the background check. The employer must communicate their decision to the applicant in writing. The applicant has five days to respond/repeal the decision. Then the employer can make a final decision.

If an employer asks about felony convictions on their job application, do not check the box. It is an illegal question that is not allowed under California law.

If you applied for a job and were asked about felony convictions before a conditional offer of employment, and think you were disqualified from the job based on your felony conviction, contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) to file a complaint.

Click on a category below for help preparing for and finding a job:

Ex-Offender Reentry Programs

Comprehensive Job Assistance Centers

Employment Preparation

Job Finding Assistance

 

Click on government assistance programs you may be eligible for: 

CalWORKs

General Relief

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have a disability, are blind, or are 65 or older 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have a disability

Find out what benefits you may be eligible for using BENEFIT KITCHEN.

Resolve any legal issues or child support issues.

Child support issues can prevent you from obtaining a valid drivers license or cause other barriers to your re-entry.

If you have a child support order, you may be able to apply for a modification from the court to have your child support order reduced to reflect a lack of earnings or low earnings.

You may also be eligible to participate in programs that may help you find a job, reinstate your driver’s license, offer parenting education, or help reduce the amount of child support debt you owe. Legal Aid offices may be able to assist you or offer legal representation in child support cases.

Click on a category below for resources:

General Legal Aid

Child Support Assistance/Enforcement

How to Change a Child Support Order

Record Expungement

 

Re-entering the community can be a stressful time. Reach out for help if you need it.

Seek support networks to stay on the right path and to remain sober. Visit supportive people like friends, family, and other helpful people; or attend community support meetings, such as AA, NA, or faith community meetings.

Click on a category below for resources:

Alcohol and Drug Dependency Support Groups

Alcohol and Drug Free Housing

General Adult Counseling

Anger Management

Mental Health Hotlines

Suicide Prevention Hotlines

Mobile Crisis Response Teams

In Person Crisis Intervention

Child Abuse Crisis Intervention Hotlines

Talklines/Warmlines

 

If you are considering continuing your education, find local programs for GED completion, or apply for federal and state financial aid to attend community college for little to no cost through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FAFSA: If you are on probation or parole or living in a halfway house, you may be eligible for federal student aid. However, if you were convicted of a drug-related offense your eligibility may be limited.

When you complete the FAFSA form for federal student aid, you will be asked whether you had a drug conviction for an offense that happened during the period you were receiving federal student aid. If the answer is yes, there is a document to help you determine whether your conviction affects your eligibility for federal student aid.

If you have been convicted of a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense, and you are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for that offense, you cannot receive a Federal Pell Grant.

Even if you are ineligible for federal aid, you should still complete the FAFSA form. Most schools and states use FAFSA information to award nonfederal aid, and you may be able to receive some of those funds.

Click on a category below for resources:

Adult High School Diploma Programs

Adult Literacy Programs

Public Libraries

Computer and Related Technology Classes